TALES FROM THE FRONT.

Tall women don't look down noses at short men

December 02, 2001|BY CHERYL LAVIN.

Finally! Some good news for short guys.

"Vertically Challenged" recently claimed that women weren't interested in guys who didn't tower over them. Here are some women, even some big ones -- 5 foot 11 and over -- who say that good things often come in small packages. . . .

Tara: "I'd rather have a financially sound short man over a tall man any day."

Desiree: "Both the petites who are looking for a tall man and the tallies who only want men their height or taller are missing out, big time. Height is no indication of greatness. It guarantees nothing in terms of intellect, depth, emotional health, confidence, character, strength, sensuality, sexiness, romanticism, talent, power or success in life. Just look at all those more diminutive men among athletes, entertainers, actors and rock stars who have no trouble attracting statuesque supermodels who tower above them!

"I'm 5 foot 9 and have been with lots of shapes and sizes of men in my experience, but most have been shorter than me. My ex-husband was 5 foot 7, and believe me, his height did not figure into our divorce whatsoever. I `looked up' to him for all of our time together, and I still do, as he and I are very good friends to this day.

"My current partner, the love of my life, is shorter still at 5 foot 6. Once again, to me he is a king in spirit, talent, heart and mind, and I always have the sense of looking up to him, even if I happen to have a few inches on him. He is man enough and confident enough about his strengths and gifts that he in no way wishes me to wear flats or to downplay my stature, ever. As far as our intimacy is concerned, well, without being too specific here, we feel like a perfect fit, and we find there are advantages to the discrepancy in our heights.

"In looking over only the tops of their heads, these shallow women are overlooking some real gems! Any woman who says she couldn't consider being romantic with a shortish man is the one who is small."

Amazon: "I'm 5 foot 11 and I like to wear heels --even platforms --to make myself taller. However, the significant relationships in my life have been with short men, usually around 5 foot 6. Sometimes with heels, this makes me almost a foot taller than they are! Interestingly, I recently dated a man taller than myself; typical quarterback type, about 6 foot 4, and I didn't like it. It was not pleasing physically, sexually or in any other way. It was never my intent to date short men, it just happened, but I realize it's a preference now."

Jason: "My height, plus or minus a few inches is OK, but for a long-term cuddling partner the same height is best."

Logan: Life's too short to judge a man by his height. Being a 5 foot 7 male, I have perceived this bias in a lot of women. Not going out with a man shorter than you makes about as much sense as not going out with someone because they're going to get old someday. It shows a lack of vision in regard to possibilities and a lack of adventure! I've gone out with women taller than me, and I have never felt intimidated by it. If I'm honest, I felt quite great about it. Great in that I met someone who wasn't so shallow. If anything, it's a bonus to be short and male. You sort through the BS and find out who's true blue pretty quickly."

Sloan: "A man wearing elevator shoes is like a woman wearing a water bra: false advertising."

Dylan: "I'm a tall woman and I never think twice about dating a shorter man. To me, a man who doesn't let himself be defined by his height is a man with self-confidence and that's what I'm attracted to."